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Chavez Fired as Hostage Mediator

Colombian prez says he overstepped boundaries

By Caroline Zimmerman, Newser User

Posted Nov 22, 2007 7:32 PM CST

(Newser) – Colombia ended Hugo Chavez's try at freeing 45 hostages from Marxist rebels today, Reuters reports. The Venezuelan prez had been brokering their release for weeks when he apparently breached protocol by talking to a Colombian general. "Can you imagine (Russia's president) calling the chairman of the U.S. chiefs of staff and asking about things?" said one analyst. "That is jumping chains of command."

Chavez admitted frustration over the move, and others have asked Colombian President Alvaro Uribe to reconsider—including French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who has lobbied for the release of a French politician held by the rebels. "Chavez is the best chance," said a Sarkozy spokesman. Three US contractors, kidnapped more than three years ago, are also among the hostages.

This photo released by the presidency of Colombia shows President Alvaro Uribe, right, talking to Gen. Fredy Padilla, commander of the Colombian Armed Forces, center, and Colombia's army chief Gen. Mario... (Associated Press)

Colombia's President Alvaro Uribe, delivers a speech in Cota, Colombia, Thursday, Nov 22, 2007. Colombia's government said Wednesday that it was canceling Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's mediation... (Associated Press)

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez speaks during a press conference at his Paris hotel, Tuesday Nov. 20, 2007. Chavez is working under a December deadline to help free hostages held by Colombian rebels,... (Associated Press)

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez, waves to reporters as he shakes hand with French President Nicolas Sarkozy at his arrival at the Elysees Palace for a working lunch with the French President, in Paris,... (Associated Press)

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Chavez Fired as Hostage Mediator

Colombian prez says he overstepped boundaries

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Nicolas Sarkozy • France • Marxism • Colombia • Hugo Chávez • Alvaro Uribe • hostage

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Sarkozy Unveils 'Robin Hood' Tax

Financial transactions to be taxed starting this summer

France Toughens Citizenship Gauntlet

Now citizens must pass test of language, 'values'

Snub? Sarkozy, Cameron Have Handshake Fail

Even body language is under scrutiny at euro summit

Sarkozy: Change—or Kiss Eurozone Goodbye

At odds with Germany over ECB, deflation, budget enforcement

France, Germany Discussing Pared Down Euro Zone

Controversial plan means some countries would be out

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Chavez Fired as Hostage Mediator

Colombian prez says he overstepped boundaries

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Nicolas Sarkozy • France • Marxism • Colombia • Hugo Chávez • Alvaro Uribe • hostage

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Sarkozy Unveils 'Robin Hood' Tax

Financial transactions to be taxed starting this summer

France Toughens Citizenship Gauntlet

Now citizens must pass test of language, 'values'

Snub? Sarkozy, Cameron Have Handshake Fail

Even body language is under scrutiny at euro summit

Sarkozy: Change—or Kiss Eurozone Goodbye

At odds with Germany over ECB, deflation, budget enforcement

France, Germany Discussing Pared Down Euro Zone

Controversial plan means some countries would be out

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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More News

What is Newser?